December 23, 2024
During a multilateral meeting held on Wednesday, September 25, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, under the leadership of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Haitian and international leaders committed to enhancing stabilization efforts in Haiti.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ support for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, emphasizing the urgency of collective action to restore security in Haiti, which is plagued by armed gang violence.
The President of the Haitian Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), Edgar Le Blanc-Fils, spoke to express his gratitude to the international community. According to him, the security situation in Haiti requires robust and coordinated support to enable local authorities to regain control of areas dominated by armed groups.
Additionally, the TPC coordinator called for increased collaboration with the Haitian National Police (HNP) and the strengthening of the country’s democratic institutions. The president also emphasized the importance of holding the elections scheduled for 2024, which must take place under adequate security conditions.
For his part, Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille supported Le Blanc-Fils’ remarks and highlighted the devastating impact of gangs on the economy and daily life of Haitians. He reiterated the need for immediate assistance to strengthen the HNP, while also advocating for increased humanitarian aid due to the food and health crises exacerbated by the violence. Conille also specified that the Haitian government is focused on preparing for the elections, but this cannot be achieved without massive international support.
Antony Blinken then announced that the United States, in partnership with other nations, is ready to increase its logistical and material support for the MSS, particularly with a view to the rapid deployment of Kenyan forces to secure the most vulnerable areas of the country. Blinken also stressed that this mission is not only military but must include a long-term development component to address the fundamental needs of the Haitian population.
Other participants, including representatives from the UN and African countries, also spoke to express their solidarity and commitment to contributing to stabilization efforts. Kenya, which has offered to lead the MSS, reaffirmed its commitment to provide troops and collaborate with Haiti to restore peace and security.
The meeting concluded with a call for urgent international mobilization to provide the necessary resources for the MSS and support Haiti on its path to reconstruction. The coming months will be decisive for the country’s future, as the international community intensifies its efforts to stabilize the situation and create the conditions for lasting peace.